Members of Parliament have raised tough questions over the use of Ksh.300 million on consultancy services under the wildlife victims compensation programme, with lawmakers demanding transparency on how the money was spent. The issue sparked heated debate in Parliament, with concerns emerging over whether the funds truly benefited Kenyans affected by human-wildlife conflict.
Highlights
- MPs questioned the spending of Ksh.300 million on consultancy services.
- The money was part of an Ksh.800 million compensation allocation.
- Legislators demanded a detailed breakdown of the expenditure.
- Concerns were raised over delayed compensation for victims.
- The Wildlife Department’s budget has increased to Ksh.16.5 billion.
Main Story
The State Department for Wildlife is under pressure after Members of Parliament questioned the decision to spend Ksh.300 million on consultancy services linked to the Human-Wildlife Conflict compensation programme.
The concerns were raised during a session between the National Assembly’s Tourism and Wildlife Committee and officials from the department as lawmakers reviewed the proposed 2026/27 budget estimates.
According to officials, the consultancy funds were used to support the digitisation of the compensation process, a move aimed at improving efficiency in handling claims made by victims of wildlife attacks.
However, MPs challenged the justification of the expenditure, arguing that the amount appeared too high for consultancy services while many affected families continue to wait for compensation.
Lawmakers Demand Answers
Committee members called on the department to provide a full breakdown of the Ksh.300 million expenditure, including details of the consultancy firm involved and the exact services offered.
Some legislators questioned whether taxpayers received value for money from the project, insisting that public funds should directly benefit citizens struggling with the effects of human-wildlife conflict.
The lawmakers further noted that compensation delays have remained a major issue in several parts of the country, especially in areas neighbouring national parks and wildlife reserves.
Concerns Over Compensation Delays
MPs also expressed concern that families affected by wildlife attacks still face lengthy waiting periods before receiving compensation, despite increased allocations to the programme.
Several committee members argued that funds intended for victims should be prioritised over expensive consultancy arrangements.
The debate highlighted growing frustration among leaders over the handling of compensation claims, with calls for greater accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
Wildlife Budget Increased
Even as the controversy continues, the State Department for Wildlife announced an increase in its budget from Ksh.15.1 billion to Ksh.16.5 billion for the 2026/27 financial year.
Part of the allocation is expected to support wildlife conservation programmes, operational costs, and compensation for victims affected by human-wildlife conflict across the country.
Lawmakers have now urged the department to ensure that future allocations are used efficiently and reach the intended beneficiaries without unnecessary expenditure.
As Parliament pushes for answers, many Kenyans are now waiting to see whether accountability will take centre stage in the management of funds meant to support victims of wildlife conflict.
